CRESTVIEW — Crestview High School’s drama program and Thespian Society present the musical adaptation of Washington Irving's short story "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow."

The stage production runs Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with matinees on the last two days.

The familiar selection of classic American literature tells the tale of Ichabod Crane, a rural New York schoolmaster pursued by a ghostly, headless Hessian horseman.

Crestview High drama teacher and Thespian Society adviser Annette Gebhardt directs a cast of more than 30 students in the colorful production, featuring costumes by stage mom Mindy Keiffer.

"I'm afraid it's been like a sweatshop," Keiffer joked as she described how daughters Megan, Emily and Abigail have helped sew the many costumes the show requires.

As Gebhardt directed a dress rehearsal Wednesday evening, she suddenly spied an anachronism.

"I'm pretty sure they weren't wearing gauges in 1790," she told actor Antonio Franco, who grinned as he removed his ear jewelry.

Senior Carmine Harrell, who portrays Ichabod Crane, said he appreciates the experience of playing one of American fiction’s most recognizable characters.

"It's great," he said. "I'm excited to play the role. It's fun."

Want to go?

The Crestview High School drama program's production of the musical adaptation of "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" opens Friday night. Performances are 7 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday at the school's Pearl Tyner Auditorium. Admission is $7. Tickets are available at the door.